Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his tournament-leading sixth goal as defending champion Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 here on Sunday (Finnish time), completing a perfect Group J campaign at the FIFA World Cup and advancing to the knockout stage as group winner, reported Xinhua.
With qualification and top spot already secured after victories over Algeria and Austria, Argentina had little riding on the result. Jordan, making its World Cup debut, had already been eliminated after losing its opening two matches.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez. Messi was rested on the bench, while veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi captained the side.
Argentina dominated from the outset and opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb left-footed free kick into the top corner, after Jordan defender Mohannad Abutaha conceded a foul just outside the penalty area.
Argentina doubled its lead in the 31st minute. After a VAR review, the referee awarded Argentina a penalty when Marcos Senesi was kicked in the head while challenging for the ball inside the area. Lautaro Martinez converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
Jordan reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half. Ehsan Haddad delivered a cross from the right and Mousa Altamari slid in to steer the ball beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Messi entered the match in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation from the crowd and capped the victory 20 minutes later with a trademark free kick. The Argentine captain kept his effort low, bending it around the wall and into the far corner to seal a 3-1 win.
Messi has now scored six goals in three matches, moving clear at the top of the tournament's Golden Boot race. The 39-year-old also extended his lead in the all-time World Cup scoring list with 19 goals.
Scaloni said that Messi was capable of playing the full match but was managed with the knockout stage in mind.
"He could have played 90 minutes, but we wanted to give others minutes and think about what is coming next. He is not too concerned about personal records," the coach said. "We need all the players ready. That is our plan, and today they showed they can be trusted."
The victory marked Argentina's first perfect group-stage campaign at a World Cup since 2014 in Brazil.
Argentina will face Cabo Verde in the round of 32 on July 3.
Scaloni anticipated a serious test posed by Cabo Verde.
"Cabo Verde has pace and good technical ability," he said. "They have caused problems for every opponent they have faced. You only need to look at their performances against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. This is a strong team and we must be careful."
- Argentina
- Jordan
- World Cup
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
